'A glimmer of hope' - Cristian Roldan is Mauricio Pochettino's 'perfect player', but late World Cup surge is about impressing more than USMNT manager
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Ryan Tolmich Thu, 5 February 2026 at 2:48 pm UTC·9 min read GOAL sat down with the midfielder to discuss the upcoming World Cup and what kept him motivated in the years between USMNT appearances FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - As Cristian Roldan prepares for his 12th season in MLS, American soccer has generally formed its opinion of the Seattle Sounders star. There are very few things a 30-year-old veteran can do to change those opinions. At this point, Roldan’s game is established, and while refinements remain, they are unlikely to alter how he's perceived.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roldan isn't playing for the masses, though; he's playing for something more personal....